By Governor Lusaka Press Unit
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has led Western Kenya leaders in urging politicians serving in the Broad-Based Government to abandon the ongoing debate over President William Ruto’s 2027 running mate and instead concentrate on supporting the President’s development agenda.
Speaking during a pro-Ruto grassroots mobilisation forum in Shinyalu Constituency, Kakamega County, where he commissioned a new storey classroom block at Mukungo Comprehensive School, Lusaka said the country would benefit more if leaders focused on service delivery rather than premature succession politics.
“We must stop piling pressure on President William Ruto over the Deputy President slot. Western Kenya has produced three Deputy Presidents in different administrations, and our politics must rise above immediate demands,” Lusaka said.
“At this moment, our priority should be to unite behind President Ruto’s re-election because he has demonstrated inclusive leadership and delivered transformative development projects across our region,” he added.
The Bungoma governor said Western Kenya should adopt a long-term political strategy by supporting President Ruto’s second-term bid while positioning the region for greater opportunities in future leadership contests.
Lusaka defended the President’s development record in the region, pointing to key national projects including affordable housing, the expansion of the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba Highway, the ongoing construction of Bukhungu Stadium and the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba through Bungoma.
His remarks were echoed by leaders drawn from Kenya Kwanza and the Broad-Based Government, who called for unity and collective support for the President’s programmes, arguing that fulfilling promises made to wananchi should take precedence over divisive political debates. Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who serves as Lusaka’s deputy in the Western Kenya presidential re-election coordination team, urged leaders to stop fixating on the Deputy President debate and instead prepare the region for the 2032 presidential race.
“We should focus on President Ruto’s re-election and prepare for the future. Western Kenya must think beyond immediate positions and remain objective in supporting the President’s 2027 bid,” Savula said.
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Savula also launched a scathing attack on DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of planting “moles” within State House to undermine the President’s administration.
He linked the claims to the recent leakage of the President’s State address, saying such incidents weakened the institution of the Presidency and should not be tolerated.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana, who hosted the event, urged leaders to embrace development-oriented politics, saying President Ruto had initiated transformative infrastructure projects that had ended years of perceived marginalisation in Western Kenya.
“The ongoing road projects and other infrastructure investments provide a solid track record for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election,” Ikana said.
He accused Gachagua of engaging in political rhetoric without matching it with a tangible development record. Vihiga Woman Representative Dr Beatrice Adagala said Western Kenya had already resolved to support President Ruto’s re-election, describing him as a leader committed to inclusive development.
She dismissed criticism from the opposition, saying the region would vote as one to secure the President’s victory in the 2027 General Election.
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Teso South MP Mary Emase cautioned Western Kenya against isolating itself from government, arguing that regions working closely with the national administration were already reaping the benefits of development. She warned leaders against being swayed by what she termed “empty political rhetoric” from the opposition.
Sabatia MP Clement Sloya also rallied the Mulembe nation to remain united behind President Ruto, saying his administration had delivered unprecedented development through roads, modern markets and sports infrastructure across the region.
“Kenya already has a Deputy President. The President will decide who deputises him in 2027. Our responsibility is to support his leadership and ensure our region continues benefiting from development,” Sloya said.
The Shinyalu meeting brought together political leaders from Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga and Busia counties and formed part of the ongoing Western Kenya mobilisation campaign spearheaded by Governor Lusaka to consolidate support for President Ruto’s second-term bid.
